And the Good News Is...: Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side

by Dana Perino

#1 New York Times Bestseller
#1 Wall Street Journal Bestseller

From her years as the presidential press secretary to her debates with colleagues on Fox News' The Five, Dana Perino reveals the lessons she's learned that have guided her through life, kept her level-headed, and led to her success, even in the face of adversity.

Thoughtful, inspiring, and often surprising, AND THE GOOD NEWS IS . . . traces Dana Perino's unlikely journey through politics and television. It's a remarkable American story-made up of equal parts determination and clear-eyed optimism.

From facing professional challenges and confronting personal fears to stepping up to a podium for a President, Dana has come to expect the unexpected and has an uncanny ability to find the good news in any tough situation. AND THE GOOD NEWS IS . . . takes us from her Western childhood in Wyoming and Colorado to a chance meeting on an airplane that changes her life entirely. Then, with refreshing honesty and humor, she recounts her frustration with a string of unsatisfying jobs and living circumstances until a key career tip leads her back to Washington, D.C. to work for the Bush Administration.

Dana also shares here her best work and life lessons-tips that will help you to get your point across convincingly while allowing your own grace and personality to shine through. As someone who still believes in working together to solve the problems our nation faces, Dana offers clear, practical advice on how to restore civility to our personal and public conversations. The result is a fascinating read that can help anyone become more successful, productive, and joyously content.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Biography, Memoir, Biography Memoir, History, Autobiography

243 pages, Hardcover

First published April 21, 2015

About the author

Dana Perino is an American political commentator and author. Perino served as the White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush, where she was the first female press secretary in a Republican administration. She was appointed to the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors in 2010 by President Obama.

Dana Perino currently anchors FOX News Channel’s (FNC) The Daily Briefing with Dana Perino and also serves as co-host of The Five (weekdays 5-6PM/ET). She also hosts a podcast Perino and Stirewalt: I’ll Tell You What.

Reviews

[Emma Breeden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regardless of your politics, there is a lot of great advice in Dana Perino's book. Yes, she's conservative. Yes, she's loyal to President Bush and his family. But if you can't overlook a person's politics to learn more about them and listen to what they have to say, then you're not going to get very far in life. And Perino addresses this in part of her book as a call for civility when dealing with opposite viewpoints. Her career advice is excellent for 20-somethings and applies to anyone, no matter your political affiliation. The format of the book is slightly strange to me, however. The beginning is autobiographical, then the second half is advice.

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

A good read from someone who has always shown grace and dignity in her endeavors. Many positive thoughts and insights from inside the bush w White House . Will miss his presidency with every day that we are without a leader.

[Elaine]

Loved it! Not only because it was well-written and showed us the real, adorable Dana, but even more for her stories about George W. Bush. She shared many personal glimpses of the President being a warm, friendly human being that were so touching. People should hear more about that, and she told the stories in a respectful and honorable way. Great read, I highly recommend it.

[Sam Roman · Rating 1 out of 5]

It is truly shocking that this woman manages to tie her own shoes every day.

Just as a sample of her bizarre sense of writing:

1) Israel is misspelled as Isreal once
2) She refers to a meeting of "all Middle East countries" (you wouldn't say "all Asia countries" would you?)
3) A sentence later, "all Middle East" countries is revealed to be "all Arab" countries. Well, which is it? Not every country in the ME is Arab and not every Arab country is in the ME.
4) Author brags about how she doesn't like to speak "sanitary" words (no clue)
5) Author has never heard of the subjunctive tense

I honestly have no idea why I read this book. Perhaps I was hoping that it'd provide some insights into the Bush administration. Instead, all we learn is that "the media is so liberal and so mean", that Bush was great (without ever saying why). Oh, and that African-American kids tormented the author when she was a child plus her family made some money endorsing cigarettes (but it's ok, because it's "patriotic").

Other than that? She has passive-aggressive issues (giving reporters the finger while hiding her hand in the podium), impostor syndrome (never believes she's done anything to deserve her job), you have to see a wildfire with your own eyes to understand it's bad, and that the greatest piece of advice anyone told her was to "be an adult" (read as: put on your big girl panties) instead of panicking and crying when facing adversity.

The only plus to this book is that it's written without artifice - it's clear that she truly is a vapid individual with almost no depth, insight, or periods of self-reflection.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read from a woman who should be a terrific role model for so many other women. Her stories of her time in the White House show what a good and decent man George W. Bush was and a positive impact he had on her life. I also couldn't help but compare her classy tenure as White House Press Secretary where she was so informative and didn't try to mislead the press or the public the way Robert Gibbs, Jay Carney and the other insulting Press Secretary's under Obama have acted.

[Lee Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book for it's stories of her time in the Bush White House and her special relationship with 43, but I also found it a little boring. I really like her and her upbeat attitude and willingness to be respectful of differing opinions. I also thought she did a good job as Press Secy. However, there wasn't a lot of depth in her personal journey - not because she had a fairly trouble-free upbringing - but her telling of it was disjointed.

[Emma Sonck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today I went to Dana's event in DC and got to meet her and take a picture with her. I love Dana. She is so nice and kind. She is a real role model. Very talented woman.

Anyways back to the book...
I loved this book. I am a huge fan of Dana and got to learn a lot about her and hear some of her stories. Also there was amazing advice in here. This book is amazing for any type of person. There is something in it for everyone. My favorite parts where when she was talking about how she met her husband. Then also all of the advice in the book. Great life lessons.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book up for a fun "by the pool" read and I gobbled it down over the weekend. . .and at the Glenwood Springs Hot Spring Pool, no less! I am now eager for more White House staffers to write their memoirs because the glimpses into all of the arduous work, tender moments, silly antics and tensions that go on behind the scenes at the White House were so much more informative to me in terms of the climate, ethics and strategies of a particular administration than the slickly edited snapshots the media makes available to those of us out here in fly-over country. I teared up several times and had to use my beach towel as a hanky; and I am almost embarrassed to confess that my biggest waterworks display came when Dana described Henry's death. I am a sucker for animal biographies and the inclusion of Henry's and Jasper's tales was a little bonus for me!

I knew in advance that I would enjoy more insight into W's presidency. Years ago, in the mid-90s when I began homeschooling my oldest daughter at the age of 4, we lived in Austin and I took her to the state capitol to watch the legislature in session. As long as we were there, I took her by Governor Bush's office to see if we could meet him and when he was not in the office that day, my daughter, Harmony, started to cry. The receptionist who broke the bad news took pity on us and invited Harmony into Governor Bush's office and let her sit in his chair at his desk and use one of his pens to write on some of his "official office paper." She was thrilled, and I was thrilled that she'd stopped crying in the governor's office! I knew Governor Bush had to be a very kind man if his office staff felt free to be so hospitable to unannounced visitors. Years later, Harmony and my other two children campaigned for W and heard him speak at a campaign rally. How could she not support the man who shared his "seat of power" with her little preschooler self? Dana's book was full of sweet stories like ours and I enjoyed learning about the many kind things W did for so many people.

I plan on giving this book as a gift when this year's round of graduation announcements start rolling in because the good conduct and career advice sprinkled throughout the book, coupled with the overt mentoring sections, make it very appropriate for kids entering college.

[W e n d y : ) · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a humbleness in her that makes her relatable, also being from the same state. I really didn't know anything about her before reading this book, it was fascinating to learn about her life. I was lent the book but if I ever come across a copy I'll have to pick it up for a reread down the road.

[Pamela Rosenberg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Who doesn't like Dana? The book though was just too sweet with not enough meat. I will still be a big fan of The Five but I wish I had downloaded a different book

[Linda Filcek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun easy to read autobiography with a little bit of presidential history thrown in. I’ve always appreciated her comments on TV and now I know she is a solid person off air, too. Lots of good advice and perspective here.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I heard Dana speak at the Reagan Presidential Library. She was interviewed and was masterful in speaking. So eloquent and had so much poise. I bet she was an amazing press secretary.

The book is very well written. It is inspirational and I enjoyed learning more about Dana as well as some wonderful stories she told about President George W. Bush. Quick, informative read. Want to read some of the books she mentioned.

I really liked what she said about the decline of civility and the need for us to be kinder and more respectful. She really tries to be civil. This subject really resonated with me. I think about comment sections on the internet where people name call and say horrible things to strangers because of a difference of opinion.

[Gina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw an interview of Dana Perino on TV about this book, and the information about her early ranch life, her road to becoming the White House press secretary, and her charity, Minute Mentoring, led me to read this book. No matter your political affiliation, this is a very interesting read. I especially enjoyed the parts about her husband, her career advice for young women, and some of the behind the scenes political events. Unfortunately, much of the book stays on the surface. I found the on-air interview of her early life much more detailed than the general overview presented in writing.

[Susanchitter · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 It is always great to see nice people succeeding. As press secretary to George W. Bush and now on The Five on Fox news she writes how her down to earth upbringing in Wyoming and Colorado gave her the tools necessary. She shares her life lessons and mentoring skills to help the reader in their own quest for success. She laments the lack of civility in politics and life in general. Whether you agree with her conservative views or not the reader can take away thoughtful ideas and wisdom.

[Ellen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Dana's perspective on the Bush administration and her positive outlook on life in general. She writes very conversationally, yet professionally, and made me feel like we could be friends if we ever met. Her advice to young professionals on job searches and protocols are spot on, and would be well-heeded by our Millennials. You don't have to be a conservative or Republican to enjoy this lovely memoir!

[Stephanie Seymore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super book with some great stories and advice for all ages!

[Ella Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read no matter one’s political party affiliation. Dana Perino captivates readers with her storytelling, and she gives young professionals practical advice for the workplace.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful Audio book. She is probably the nicest and most human person in politics.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure how I came to read this book, but I think the library site recommended it. In any case, it's a fabulous book. It's written the way a person would tell their own story...not in a straight line, but linear with various thoughts and interesting tidbits popping in.
Dana Perino was press secretary for President George W Bush, affectionately referred to as 43 and was the first female conservative press secretary. She clearly loved the man she worked for and I love the personal (loving and thoughtful) look at life in the oval office.
I thoroughly enjoyed her bright and optimistic view of things and this was not blind optimism, but her true chosen view on life. She learned much from those around her and ultimately, wrote this book to pass on the great knowledge and experience she gained and could easily be applied to any career choice.
I truly hope to find more books of this nature and caliber regarding those working with other administrations, though I'm guessing that may be a challenge. It's a book written about Dana, by Dana, but sheds a beautiful and personal light on a man who is trying to lead our wonderful country.
***And added bonus no swearing, no smut!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I enjoyed hearing her life story, career advice, and experiences that included positive interactions with Pres. Bush, Pres. Obama, and Vice President Biden, different world leaders, and many others. I loved hearing about her family and personal life and her path to success which culminated in her being the White House Press Secretary and how she moved on after it was over. I loved hearing her approach to politics and how she deals with being a conservative at a time when it isn't the most popular ideology. I think she was gracious to republicans and democrats alike in the book. It contains excellent career advice for anyone; regardless of their political leanings, gender, or chosen career path. Most of all I loved her optimistic take on things and the light and happy feel to the book. I'll probably read it again and again.

[W. Whalin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an Insightful Memoir

Dana Perino has written a wonderful memoir. As she wrote on page 65:
"Really, you would never have picked me out of a crowd and said, "She'll be the White House press secretary one day." And that's what makes America so great--one day you're sitting on a barnyard fence thinking you'll never leave home and the next thing you're sitting on Marine One with the President of the United States after his last visit with the Navy SEALs. God Bless America indeed."

I highly recommend this book. It is worthy of your time and energy.

[Melanie Melancon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book about a super woman

A must read for young people starting out in any profession. Heartwarming, informative, and entertaining, it captures the author and her approach to work and life. After having been a fan of Dana since her press secretary days, I was so glad to learn what had shaped her into what I believe is a role model for today's young adult.

[Michael Peeples · Rating 4 out of 5]

I nice reminder on how to remain civil and optimistic. How we should stop blaming and finger pointing. For those who want to blame Trump for the current environment, they've forgotten about former Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid calling people "morons" and "liars" long before Trump launched his campaign. We can all choose to stop this madness at anytime, but we have to start with ourselves first.

Lots of fun stories from her time at the White House, including stories from both sides of the aisle, and how at the end of the day, everyone has the same goal, it's just the path there we disagree on. Demonizing, name-calling, and finger-pointing won't convert or convince anyone, it just widens the divide and makes compromise impossible.

So work on yourself, learn to listen to others, and always look for the bright side.

[Gigi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first part of the book seemed a bit unorganized and a little tedious - family history, early life, etc. - but I love Dana Perino on The Five, and I thoroughly enjoyed her book, Let Me Tell You About Jasper..., so I stuck with it. I'm so glad I did. Starting with Chapter 2, when Dana meets her husband Peter, the book began to pick up momentum and my interest. What an amazing women! For such a young women, she has lived an extraordinary life and is filled with so much wisdom and insight that she readily shares in this book. I highly recommend this book. It is a positive light in what is often a negative world.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Worth a look if you love Dana, but this book has too many “memoir cliches” for my taste. I would have gladly skipped over parts — I don’t care to hear where her grandparents were born, or what her dog is like. Only chapters 5, 6, and 7 contain advice. The rest of it is her life story.

I understand that as a Press Secretary she’s supposed to defend the President, but she’s almost blindingly loyal to Bush. There seriously isn’t even one slightly negative word about him in the book. She puts him on a pedestal, and I’d prefer to hear a more realistic account.

[Mary L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A conservative who looks on the bright side, Dana tells her story up to and past the time that se was the white house press secretary. I thoroughly enjoyed the lessons she learned and the advice that she gives others. We need people with her charm and willingness to learn from others, from ourselves--mistakes and victories, and pass this knowledge on. A great read. I love biographies and autobiographies.

[Melissa Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great looking back at the W years from her perspective. Also some fabulous advice and pointers for staying grounded, that if read by millennials would probably help them in their careers! Good read, especially at the resolution time of year!

[Danielle · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall the book isn’t too poorly written but it was a stretch to see this as unbiased or wholly truthful since everything was glossed over with a very “optimistic” lens. I always appreciate reading things from diverse perspectives that I don’t agree with personally and this was no exception. Though I did cringe several times throughout.

[KateWerners · Rating 4 out of 5]

I now know why my mom says Dana reminds her of me! Great read!

[Monica C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was an unexpected and very pleasant surprise as I got this book by chance. The author is clearly smart, articulate, impressive, very admirable and wise beyond her years. There is some great advice at the end and some good stories and lessons learned for professional women. Very good read.